Do you find it difficult to read your cat’s body language? Perhaps your cat acts a certain way or does a particular thing and you have no idea why so would just like to understand them a little better.
Look no further, this animated infographic explains all!
If you want to learn more about your cat’s behaviour, have a read of our leaflet called Understanding your cat’s behaviouror read our behaviour blog posts. You can also find out about the domestic cat’s wild origins in our Understanding Feline Origins e-learning course.
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CAT BEHAVIOURS EXPLAINED
Just what is your cat trying to tell you?
![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/milk-and-straw.gif)
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Rubbing against your legs or furniture
This is my home, and I scent things to find my way around.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/behind_cat.gif)
Showing you its behind
Don't be offended, I'm just being friendly. We cats say hello to each other by sniffing tails, just like dogs.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/three-heads.gif)
Ears forward
I'm pleased to see you. If you hold out your hand, I might give it a bump to say hello (or a sniff if I'm shy).Slow closing of eyes/blinking
You're getting a kiss. If you copy me, I might just do it again. If I'm in the mood.Ears upright, sitting
up and alert
I'm listening intently. Was it a bird or a mouse? I'm not sure, but I'm off to find out.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/sofa-stroke-3.gif)
![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/ball-new.gif)
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![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/ball-cradle.gif)
Kneading
I'm getting comfy. Kneading you makes me feel good. I used to knead my mum when I was a kitten.Rolling on back to expose stomach
I trust you, but watch your fingers! I might want to play but I'll let you know if you've overstepped my personal boundary.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/blinker.gif)
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![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/birds.gif)
Back hunched up with tail and fur on end
I'm being defensive. I'm puffing my hair out to make myself look bigger, so whatever I'm scared of leaves me alone.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/catnboxweb2.gif)
Cat in a box/bag
This might look silly to you, but it makes me feel safe; I can see you, but you can't see me!![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/mouse-catcher.gif)
![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/clockworkmice.gif)
Cat in a box/bag
This might look silly to you, but it makes me feel safe; I can see you, but you can't see me!Cat 'gift'
This isn't actually a gift! I bring back prey to my territory where it's safe and I won't be disturbed.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/purring.gif)
![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/cats-purr-web.gif)
Purring
Many things make me purr (cuddles, when I want attention, and even pain). Mother cats and kittens purr silently, to say "all's well" with 'good vibrations'.![](https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/~/media/images/money-matters/infographics/cat-behaviours/sainsburys_logo.png)
Thank you to Sainsbury's Bank who partnered with us to create this infographic.